Events feedback, security myths & construction culture shift

BLOG from Howard Chapman, Editor of Buildingtalk

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The latest round-up of industry news begins with a report from Brixton prison about an exciting project to help reduce crime and provide one solution to the acute construction skills shortage in London.

Buildingtalk editor in prison

I was in Brixton prison in south London yesterday, invited to the launch of a Dry Lining Training Centre that is unique joint initiative by the Bounce Back charity supported by the construction industry.

Buildingtalk is proud to support the BOUNCE BACK Foundation, a Charity that offers training, work experience and employment to offenders at the end of their sentence, using the skills developed both during custody and on release.

Supported by Knauf and Encon (Nevill Long) working with Be Onsite, Land Securities and Lend Lease, the facility offers the inmates of HMP Brixton the opportunity to learn dry lining skills in a state of the art training space. This demonstrates how the industry can support in-prison training in a sponsored model which will see nearly 100 prisoners a year training to enter the workforce, meeting a genuine need within the industry for trained dry liners.Work will be offered to trainees upon release by the partners along with other organisations.

The visit to Brixton prison was fascinating and it was great to listen to some of the prisoners benefiting from the training. One young man, recently released, spoke of how the skills he gained via Bounce Back training has enabled him to get a job and has made his family proud of him. It has given him a future away from crime.

Security myth busting

I had a great briefing from ASSA ABLOY at IFSEC 2015 last week. Thomas Schulz explained about how wireless locks are changing the way we approach access control and opening up new integrated solutions to everyday security. I am working on a feature on this subject so if you have any input you want me to include, you can email me via news@buildingtalk.com.

In the meantime, take a look at our Video of the Week where Assa Abloy responds to 6 myths about the new keyless technology.

Construction boom and skills shortages

Construction is booming right across the UK: from fast-track homes in London to fast-track infrastructure with HS2, and even a 7-year high in Scottish builders confidence in the future. As part of the preparations for UK Construction Week in the autumn, their expert advisory panel has met for the first time to discuss the cultural shift needed to meet the challenges of this growth, especially the skills shortages.

Other news

• Householders Guide to Flat Roofing from the NFRC

  Download the new Householders Guide to Flat Roofing from the NFRC

• Delta Membranes Solutions prevent water leakage from tiled areas
• CMS Window Systems that significantly cut fuel bills for social housing
• Structural external wall insulation from Structherm that can extend property life by at least 30 years
• Congratulations to Stroma Certification winning 2 awards at the National Green Deal & ECO Awards 2015

Project stories

• How 40 skilled tradespeople helped overhaul a complex needs housing facility
• How one installers enthusiasm for his new composite front door from Door-Stop International led to half his street choosing the some product
• How a Strictly Dancing floor recovered from flooding

Best of Buildingtalk on Twitter

Finding out all about infrared heating from Herschel at Facilities Show with 60% savings on conventional heating

Visiting ROCKWOOL at FIREX exhibition at ExCel London to see new the new fire stopping and fire protection products + latest from Stannah Lifts

At the O2 to visit London Build Expo 2015 to meet A-Plant, Assa Abloy UK, Milwaukee Tool & more – busy event!

Worlds second tallest building, Shanghai Tower in China to open with a 120 degree twist

Earlier end to subsidies for new UK onshore wind farms

Wyre Tidal Barrage planned as push for tidal energy gains pace

And finally

In a busy week, I made time to the opening of its new REHAU Hub at The Building Centre. The REHAU Hub is a key element in the Knowhau package.

As well as an 82 sq m exhibition space displaying its range of window and door, renewable energy, cable management and furniture systems, it also provides a London base for REHAUs team of specialist commercial sales managers who provide product and planning advice, training and CPD seminars.

It was also a fun evening too!

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